Bar owner sues banks for trespass

Following the overturning of a receiver at Foley’s Bar, the holding company and owners are to sue a range of financial firms and individuals for trespass, negligence, and breach of contract.

Sean Foley, the owner of Foley’s Bar, Merrion Row, Dublin, issued a summons to a range of companies and individuals, including Bank of Scotland, Certus, CBRE, BDO, Permanent TSB, and a number of individuals.

In total, the summons includes 12 counts of trespass and wrongful interference with property and one count of breach of contract.

Mr Foley said part of the reason for taking the case was to show other small business owners that they are not completely powerless in the face of the banks.

“Justice Gilligan overturned the receiver so now we are suing for trespass,” said Mr Foley. “I’m hoping others will see what I’ve done and think if they have lost their business due to a receiver being appointed illegally that there is redress.”

The overturning of the receivership has set a precedent that could see up to 100 Bank of Scotland receiverships overturned, as they may have been secured under the incorrect seal.